Marc Smith

Marc Smith is a life-long conservationist growing up in the woods and waters of Virginia. As NWF’s Senior Policy Manager, Marc directs NWF’s work on implementing the Great Lakes Compact, wetland and habitat restoration policy, and invasive species work. Currently, Marc serves as a special designee on the Council of Great Lakes Governor’s Advisory Committee for the Great Lakes Compact and Agreement, represents NWF on the Midwest Governor’s Association Biomass Working Group, and serves on various other state and federal conservation stakeholder committees.

He has testified on a wide range of Great Lakes, wildlife and conservation issues before state, regional and national government bodies including the Michigan and Minnesota Legislature, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the Great Lakes Regional Body and Council.

Prior to being Policy Manager, Marc was NWF’s Regional Representative for all the Great Lakes states. In that capacity, Marc was responsible for managing NWF’s partnerships and building strong conservation networks with its state affiliates. Before that, Marc was NWF’s Legislative Representative in the Washington, D.C. office directing advocacy efforts on public land conservation issues.

Before joining NWF in 2001, Marc worked for two Members of Congress. Serving as Senior Legislative Assistant for the late Congressman Bruce F. Vento for over four years, Marc handled the Congressman's Resources Committee responsibilities and helped manage the legislative staff. Marc also worked for former Congressman Robert A. Underwood as Senior Legislative Assistant focusing on environmental cleanup and military land management issues. Marc received his B.A. in History from West Virginia University.

He is the proud father of two spirited children. Marc spends most of his free-time enjoying the Great Lakes with his family, fly-fishing, kayaking the Huron River, and playing/coaching soccer.